A Day at Quebec’s Ice Hotel

One of the best hotels in Canada will open its doors again this winter, in January. Hotel de Glace is celebrating its 21st anniversary this year and will be open for both tour visits and even room stays. It’s only 30 minutes north of Quebec City, and it’s certainly worth it, because it’s made entirely out of ice.

Hotel de Glace, which of course means ice hotel in English, has everything made of snow and ice; from the floors, walls, and even the bed. A chapel, an ice bar, a lounge, slides, and a sauna under the stars are all part of the hotel.

While not all room will be officially completed until January 20th, some of the 42 themed rooms and suites will be ready on the 2nd, and you will be able to visit them. It has a main entrance, a chapel, a wide hall, an ice bar, and 42 themed rooms and suites, all of which are remarkably ice-crafted. In a glass made of 100% ice, you can also indulge in a cocktail. The ice bar is made out of ice and snow, including even the floors and walls.

You’ll want to book a room stay at this Ice Hotel for a truly unforgettable experience. Prices start at $379 per night, including a wonderful room and a welcome cocktail served in a glass of ice. As each room is more stunning than the last, it’s awesome. You’ll see sculpted beasts of snow and furniture carved from the frozen water. The rooms are illuminated in colours that reflect on the crystal-like walls. The rooms are located within this igloo structure, offering one, two or three queen size beds.

The hotel has been described as a tourist “hotspot” and is backed by Quebec’s tourism department. A chandelier hangs in a corridor lobby of the Ice Hotel. The Ice Hotel has been described as one of the “10 dream wedding locations”. You could literally visit Hôtel de Glace every single year and have a completely different experience each time. That’s because the theme always changes.

The hotel makes its own snow using a special mixture to adjust the humidity. The hotel is made of 15,000 tons of snow and 500,000 tons of ice and the walls are up to four-feet thick. But I’ve been told the hotel is bigger and better than ever this year! And this is no exception to dishes! Day or night, you’ll find visitors sipping on clever cocktails served in glasses made entirely of ice.

There is a nightclub, a movie theatre, an ice café, heated indoor washrooms and outdoor hot tubs. There is also a chapel where they celebrate weddings. After the Thirteenth season, 275 weddings had been conducted since its opening. The chapel provides all the romance and exoticism you could wish for on this very important day. The Hôtel de Glace’s chapel promises unforgettable memories and beautiful pictures, whether it is for a wedding or a renewal of vows.

For those who are concerned about it being too cold in the rooms, to sleep in; the castle has an igloo effect. Each of the rooms have an average temperature of -3°C to -5°C, so it is essential to dress accordingly. Make sure you arrive with a warm coat and plenty of layers. A warm Nordic sleeping bag, insulated sheets and pillows will be given to you. Some of the deluxe rooms are also fitted with a fireplace to keep you warm.

Of course , you have to try it, you’re Canadian. So, who’s interested? You can also purchase packages along with your stay at the Hotel de Glace that will allow you to do all of the on-site activities. They have shuttles heading back between the hotel and the events, and fourth, so you certainly won’t have to think about how to get back.

When: From January 2 to March 21

Cost: Packages start at $379 to sleep there, but you can visit it with packages starting at $23.99.

Address: 1860, boul. Valcartier, Saint-Gabriel-de-Valcartier, QC.

Safety measures have been put in place to protect all visitors. Where do I sign up? For from information about the Ice Hotel, click here.

. . .

3